Introducing: Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Introducing: Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends"

Podcast: Dear Chelsea
Host: Chelsea Handler (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode: Introducing: Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends
Original Air Date: June 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Dear Chelsea features a special introduction to comedian Robert Smigel’s new podcast, Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends. In this lively teaser, Smigel previews the show’s unique mission: enlisting top comedians and writers to help regular people make their projects—big or small—a whole lot funnier. With trademark wit and self-deprecation, Smigel shares upcoming guest stars, sample segment clips, and the silly camaraderie listeners can expect each week.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. Robert Smigel’s Introduction & Podcast Concept

• [00:00] Robert Smigel introduces himself humorously, referencing his famous comedy work:

  “I did lots of things. Cartoons on SNL, Conan stuff, Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog, some movies. But now I'm past my peak, so I'm hosting a podcast...”

• Outlines podcast premise: every week, he and renowned comedic guests help listeners punch up unfunny projects—anything from acapella performance banter to morning school announcements.

2. A-List Comedic Lineup Announced

• [00:15] Smigel teases an impressive guest roster:

  “You’ll see guests like Bob Odenkirk, Jim Gaffigan, Dave Attell, Mikey Day, Ellie Kemper, Pete Holmes, Alex Edelman, Bruce McCullough, David Lettin, Letterman—David Letterman—and many great writers dedicated to helping the less humorous.”

• The quick, irreverent delivery blends genuine excitement with tongue-in-cheek modesty.

3. Funny Examples & Memorable Moments

Harvard Acapella Group Banter

• [00:41] Smigel and guests brainstorm how to make a Harvard alumni acapella group’s stage banter more entertaining:
  • Smigel’s deadpan:

    “Is there anything to the idea that because you're from Harvard, you only got in because your parents made a huge donation?”

  • Guest’s satirical naming idea for the middle-aged group:

    “Since you guys are middle-aged. One Erection.” (00:59)

Spicing Up School Announcements

• [01:10] The comedians joke about a high school’s morning announcements and a fictional bloated production budget:
  • Guest:

    “I know this is a public school, but what's our budget? Are we dropping... Like, well, cause Jim, how many millions of dollars?”

International Humor Help

• [01:23] A man from Turkey seeks help writing a fan letter to a comedy writer, leading to playful questions and “bad interview” humor:
  • Dave from Indianapolis:

    “Can you tell the three of us here a little bit about yourself? For example, do you have a family, Barack? I have a brother, a mom. Okay. Are you currently appearing on Broadway? That kind of crap?” (01:30)

4. Podcast Launch Information

• [01:46] Robert Smigel closes with show details:

  “Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends from iHeartMedia and Big Money Players. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends on May 8th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.”

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Notable Quotes

• Robert Smigel [00:00]: “But now I’m past my peak, so I’m hosting a podcast...”
• Guest [00:59]: “Since you guys are middle-aged. One Erection.”
• Dave from Indianapolis [01:30]: “Are you currently appearing on Broadway? That kind of crap?”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction by Robert Smigel
• [00:15] – Guest lineup and show premise
• [00:41] – Harvard acapella banter brainstorming
• [00:59] – Group renaming joke: "One Erection"
• [01:10] – Public school announcement sketch
• [01:23] – Fan letter help and Broadway joke
• [01:46] – Podcast launch details

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Tone & Style

The episode radiates Smigel’s sharp, irreverent sense of humor. Through snappy dialogue and self-aware jokes, it establishes a fun, inclusive tone tailored for both comedy fans and the “humor challenged.”

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Summary

This preview episode gives listeners a strong sense of the playful, collaborative spirit of Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends, blending celebrity comic talent, crowd-sourced dilemma-solving, and the unpredictable joy of silly banter. Whether you want to spice up your work presentation or just laugh at the group riffing on “One Erection,” Smigel’s new podcast promises laughter and surprising heart.

Transcript

[Robert Smigel]

Hello, I'm Robert Smigel. I did lots of things. Cartoons on snl, Conan stuff, Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog, some movies. But now I'm past my peak, so I'm hosting a podcast, Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Each week, me and my favorite comedians, writers and whatnots help regular people just like you, presuming you're regular, who have some project or task that they'd like us to help make funnier. You'll see guests like Bob Odenkirk, Jim Gaffigan, Dave Attell, Mikey Day, Ellie Kemper, Pete Holmes, Alex Adelman, Bruce McCullough, David Lettin, Letterman, David Letterman, and many great writers dedicated to helping the less humorous. We've helped an acapella group of Harvard alumni with their onstage banter.

[Unknown Guest 1]

Singer

[Robert Smigel]

in the group,

[Unknown Guest 1]

the worst.

[Robert Smigel]

Yeah, me. Is there anything to the idea that because you're from Harvard, you only got in because your parents made a huge donation

[Unknown Guest 2]

to the group the Yardbirds. Right. That's the name. The Harvard Yard. But they're open. Do you have a name

[Robert Smigel]

suggestion? We're open. Since you guys are middle aged. One erection. We helped a high school teacher spice up his school's morning announcement.

[Unknown Guest 1]

I know this is a public school, but what's our budget? Are we dropping? Like, well. Cause Jim, how many millions of dollars? I heart

[Robert Smigel]

is fully committed to this. And a man from Turkey writing a fan letter to a beloved comedy writer.

[Unknown Guest 1]

I've brought in a couple of people who have worked with Steve o'. Donnell.

[Robert Smigel]

This is Dave from Indianapolis. Hi.

[Dave from Indianapolis]

Can you tell the three of us here a little bit yourself? For example, do you have a family, Barack? I have a brother, a mom. Okay. Are you currently appearing on Broadway? That kind of crap?

[Robert Smigel]

Humor me with Robert Smigel and friends from iheartmedia and big money players. Listen to humor. Meet with Robert Smigel and friends on May 8th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.